“Mark Sears got off to a tough start”: NCAA analysts break down Nate Oats and Alabama’s struggles this season
NCAA analysts have highlighted Alabama's struggles this season, pointing out star guard Mark Sears and his rocky start as a key factor.
Under coach Nate Oats, Alabama has faced challenges finding consistency on both ends of the court, particularly with Sears struggling to set the tone offensively in key matchups.
Mark Sears joined Alabama from Ohio in 2022, averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game in his first season.
During an episode on "The Field of 68" on Monday, NCAA analyst Terrence Oglesby said this about Sears and Alabama’s struggles.
“Mark Sears got off to a tough start," Oglesby said. "He has started to correct those things. The percentages will come back, and he's shooting 32% from 3 right now.
"He's going to get there. I'm not so worried about that, and because he's so ball dominant like he's going to be fine”
Sixth-ranked Alabama (8-2) is 3-1 against ranked teams, and Oglesby has noted that while the Crimson Tide boasts a talented roster, their execution and ability to take control of games have been inconsistent.
Oats’ up-tempo system, which relies heavily on transition play, has faltered at times, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and lapses in rhythm.
Despite the early season hurdles, Terrence Oglesby believes Alabama can turn things around if Sears regains his groove and the Crimson Tide shores up their defense to complement their offensive firepower.
“You just have to hope that some of these other guys start to turn it up from the shooting department," Oglesby said. "Grant Nelson has not been very good at 28% from 3.
"The fact that they're getting the shots is fine. It’s time to start making them, and I think they will.”
Mark Sears leads Alabama in points (17.5) and assists (4.0) per game this season, while Grant Nelson leads the Crimson Tide in rebounds (8.1). Observers remain optimistic about Alabama’s potential, emphasizing the need for improvement in shooting efficiency.
Nate Oats commends Mark Sears’ shooting in Alabama’s victory over Creighton
Mark Sears delivered an impressive performance with 27 points, six rebounds and four assists, leading No. 6-ranked Alabama to an 83-75 victory over Creighton on Saturday night.
The senior guard was instrumental in securing the win, hitting two clutch 3-pointers in the final six minutes and shooting 8-for-15, including 4-for-7 from beyond the arc.
Sears accounted for the majority of Alabama's 3-point success, as the team struggled from long range finishing just 6-for-30.
"I don't think it's any coincidence,” Nate Oats said. “He got really locked into playing hard, all of a sudden he's got his best shooting night."
Despite the close contest, Alabama’s performance proved decisive as the Crimson Tide sank their final eight free throws in the last four minutes.
Alabama finished 17-for-22 from the line (77.2%), a slight improvement on its season average. Alabama also dominated the offensive glass, taking 17 offensive rebounds and converting them into 14 second-chance points.
"Good win,” Nate Oats said. “It wasn't the prettiest game at times, but our guys were resilient."
Grant Nelson, despite a quiet offensive night with just four points, contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds. His effort, combined with the team’s resilience, helped Alabama hold off Creighton’s late push.